Members of CACINA, (bishops, clergy, and lay people), gathered again at St. Mary of Providence Center, a Catholic retreat house, to conduct the business of the national church in May 2015.
The assembly, a joint session of the College of Bishops and the House of Delegates (HOD), focused on ratifying the budget, selecting a national charity for the October second collection, and learning about the religion of Islam. Plans for our new website was revealed to rave reviews.
Each morning participants assembled for morning mass and choir members from St. Charles of Brazil were joined by Belinda from Holy Innocents to lead the congregation in song while clergy from different parishes took turns celebrating the Eucharist. Recently ordained Fr. Larry from St. Anne Priory presided one morning. Various parishes organized evening prayers in moving celebration of the glory of God.
Of course, there was time for meals together in the beautiful main house and evening socializing in the retreat house. One afternoon, Jean, a parishioners form Holy Innocents lead participants in a session of "chair" yoga where participants learned how to perform yoga while sitting.
One night for Evening Prayer, a Taize prayer service was held. The Taize worship service involved sung and chanted prayers, periods of silence, liturgical readings in a candle lit chapel. The Taize service provided the worshipers with a contemplative style of prayer.
Bishop Frank and Bishop Tony ordained two deacons at the GA this year-Monica from St. Charles of Brazil and Harry from St. Theresa. A very beautiful and moving service. Congratulations to them both.
The community of CACINA came together again for another productive, prayerful, and successful General Assembly.